Thought hours in front of the TV were just rotting our brains? Think again. Here is how Saturday morning cartoons, holiday specials, and classic films accidentally gave us a secret masterclass in literature, music, and fine art.
Early Bird or Poky Puppy? A Missed School Bus And Being Late
I check my phone for the millionth time. I'm two hours early for my flight, but that’s nothing new. How a single missed school bus shaped a lifetime of chronic punctuality—and why I'll always be the guy waiting at the gate.
Lost in the Junk Drawer of Life
From strict punctuality in Germany to the hidden meanings behind an "A-okay" hand gesture, global cultures differ wildly. But despite our differences, I'm convinced of one universal human truth: no matter where you call home, you have a junk drawer packed with outdated manuals and a mountain of mystery cords.
The Weekly Habit that Keeps Me Out of the Doghouse!
(A version of this story appeared on The Heart of The Matter on April 12, 2023.) I wrote the date at the top, folded the paper, and slid it into an envelope. Some weeks I’m good at this; some weeks, not so much. For the past 17 years, I’ve written my wife a short note every Wednesday.... Continue Reading →
The Mental Math of a Dying Phone Battery
My phone battery is having a busier night out on the town than I am. A lighthearted look at smartphone addiction, phantom battery drain, and the bodyguard-level vigilance required to find a working wall outlet.
Drooling With Envy at Today’s Toys
From Evel Knievel stunt bikes and Pong to life-sized monster trucks, 300-foot roller coasters, and 28 mph e-bikes—a look at why today’s hyper-engineered toys make me drool with pure nostalgia envy.
The Great Suburban Coffee Wars
A single sleepy suburban mile, two local coffee shops, two corporate giants, and a convenience store brawl for market share. Welcome to the local coffee wars—where seasonal flavors fly before fall even arrives.
If Your Relationship Can Survive a Week at the Beach, It Can Survive Anything
One spouse forges ahead like Meriwether Lewis mapping the frontier; the other trails behind dragging a 50-pound cooler through scorching sand. If your marriage can survive a week at the beach, it can survive anything. Here are four essential rules for surviving the dunes, heat, and potential beach mutiny.
Making A Case for Hope
If you only look at social media, it feels like society is collapsing. But the real-world data on how we actually treat each other tells a completely different—and deeply hopeful—story.

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